Post by Josh on Mar 6, 2007 7:20:56 GMT -8
Originally posted 4/3/06:
First off, I must emphasize that the book of Genesis is not meant to be a science textbook, or for that matter a history textbook, in the modern sense. Clearly, Genesis refers to historical events, but equally apparent, I think, is it's mythological nature. The dividing line between myth and historical fact is sometimes clear, but often they are interwoven and insperable. I'm still learning about that.
That being said, one fascinating thing about the Creation account of Genesis is how the days of Creation do fit with much of what we know about the earth's early history.
Let me give you an orderly account of what I mean. Each creation day (with a short summary) will be followed by what scientists currently think the successive stages of the early universe/ early earth were. Keep in mind that each day is viewed from the perspective on an observer standing on the surface of the earth.
"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth" Genesis 1:1
This includes stars, planets, galaxies
This first verse of the bible demonstrates that God is independent even of the heavens and that the universe had a beginning
Darkness and water over the surface of the earth:
The early earth was covered with water and no light was visible for an extended period of time due to the interstellar dust that actually formed our planet, or due to the dust in the atmosphere after the moon's collision with earth (the current theory on where we got our moon).
Day 1
"Let there be light"
At about 4.5 billion years ago, the atmosphere would have became translucent: clear enough for light to penetrate, but not yet be transparent.
Day 2
An expanse between the waters below (seas) and waters above (clouds)
About 4 billion years ago, we had the beginning of a stable water cycle and the creation of the troposphere, an atmospheric layer above the oceans where clouds form and humidity resides
Day 3
Dry land and Plants
About 2.5- 3 billion years ago plate tectonics and volcanism forms our first continent (probably Pangea). About (less certain) 1-2 billion years ago, plants most likely appear. Plants this old are difficult to fossilize, but we have evidence of a sudden increase in oxygen at this time; an indication that plant life exploded during this time period. This day is just the beginning of the creation of plants; they continue to appear in new species until the advent of man.
Day 4
The appearance of the sun, moon, and stars.
Genesis 1:1 already spoke of these things being created (the heavens). The Hebrew word here is different that the word used elsewhere indicating create (bara), it instead is (asah) translated, brought forth or presented
At some point (possibly 1 billion years ago), the atmosphere would become transparent, allowing the sun, moons, and stars, to be seen as we see them, for the first time.
Day 5
Aquatic life forms and "winged creatures"
About 500-600 million years ago, we see an explosion of aquatic life and insects, which is all this text requires. This day is just the beginning of the creation of sea creatures; they also continue to appear in new species until the advent of man. True birds follow later.
Day 6
Reptiles, then Mammals, then Man
About 230 million years ago we get dinosaurs, about 65 million years ago most mammals. About 2-3 million years ago, the first tool using bipedal primates. About 50,000-100,000 years ago, the advent of homo sapiens.
Day 7
God rests from his creative work
No new species since man
Each day of creation inaugurates a new kind of creative work. The culmination of the creative work is man.
Now, I challenge you to take any other ancient creation "myth" (Mesopotamian, Greek, Egyptian, Mayan), and find this kind of harmony! This is not to say that those myths don't also contain historical memory and kernels of truth (because many of them certainly do), but it does seem that the Biblical record here gives us a most amazing harmony with science.
A Creation Chronology:
www.reasons.org/resources/apologetics/testablecreationsummary.shtml
NOTE, THIS THREAD IS LOCKED. IF YOU WISH TO REPLY TO IT, PLEASE VISIT THIS SAME ARTICLE IN THE QUESTIONS ABOUT CHRISTIANITY FORUM:
www.aletheia.proboards76.com/index.cgi?board=science
First off, I must emphasize that the book of Genesis is not meant to be a science textbook, or for that matter a history textbook, in the modern sense. Clearly, Genesis refers to historical events, but equally apparent, I think, is it's mythological nature. The dividing line between myth and historical fact is sometimes clear, but often they are interwoven and insperable. I'm still learning about that.
That being said, one fascinating thing about the Creation account of Genesis is how the days of Creation do fit with much of what we know about the earth's early history.
Let me give you an orderly account of what I mean. Each creation day (with a short summary) will be followed by what scientists currently think the successive stages of the early universe/ early earth were. Keep in mind that each day is viewed from the perspective on an observer standing on the surface of the earth.
"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth" Genesis 1:1
This includes stars, planets, galaxies
This first verse of the bible demonstrates that God is independent even of the heavens and that the universe had a beginning
Darkness and water over the surface of the earth:
The early earth was covered with water and no light was visible for an extended period of time due to the interstellar dust that actually formed our planet, or due to the dust in the atmosphere after the moon's collision with earth (the current theory on where we got our moon).
Day 1
"Let there be light"
At about 4.5 billion years ago, the atmosphere would have became translucent: clear enough for light to penetrate, but not yet be transparent.
Day 2
An expanse between the waters below (seas) and waters above (clouds)
About 4 billion years ago, we had the beginning of a stable water cycle and the creation of the troposphere, an atmospheric layer above the oceans where clouds form and humidity resides
Day 3
Dry land and Plants
About 2.5- 3 billion years ago plate tectonics and volcanism forms our first continent (probably Pangea). About (less certain) 1-2 billion years ago, plants most likely appear. Plants this old are difficult to fossilize, but we have evidence of a sudden increase in oxygen at this time; an indication that plant life exploded during this time period. This day is just the beginning of the creation of plants; they continue to appear in new species until the advent of man.
Day 4
The appearance of the sun, moon, and stars.
Genesis 1:1 already spoke of these things being created (the heavens). The Hebrew word here is different that the word used elsewhere indicating create (bara), it instead is (asah) translated, brought forth or presented
At some point (possibly 1 billion years ago), the atmosphere would become transparent, allowing the sun, moons, and stars, to be seen as we see them, for the first time.
Day 5
Aquatic life forms and "winged creatures"
About 500-600 million years ago, we see an explosion of aquatic life and insects, which is all this text requires. This day is just the beginning of the creation of sea creatures; they also continue to appear in new species until the advent of man. True birds follow later.
Day 6
Reptiles, then Mammals, then Man
About 230 million years ago we get dinosaurs, about 65 million years ago most mammals. About 2-3 million years ago, the first tool using bipedal primates. About 50,000-100,000 years ago, the advent of homo sapiens.
Day 7
God rests from his creative work
No new species since man
Each day of creation inaugurates a new kind of creative work. The culmination of the creative work is man.
Now, I challenge you to take any other ancient creation "myth" (Mesopotamian, Greek, Egyptian, Mayan), and find this kind of harmony! This is not to say that those myths don't also contain historical memory and kernels of truth (because many of them certainly do), but it does seem that the Biblical record here gives us a most amazing harmony with science.
A Creation Chronology:
www.reasons.org/resources/apologetics/testablecreationsummary.shtml
NOTE, THIS THREAD IS LOCKED. IF YOU WISH TO REPLY TO IT, PLEASE VISIT THIS SAME ARTICLE IN THE QUESTIONS ABOUT CHRISTIANITY FORUM:
www.aletheia.proboards76.com/index.cgi?board=science